The resort itself is located amidst rocky lava fields and spectacular Pacific views on the rugged Kohala Coast - all adding up to a strong sense of mana loa (great power). Yet a peaceful spirit of tropical gentility also permeates the resort and the new spa. Seven ancient Kalahuipua'a, royal Hawaiian fishponds, provide the central focus for this cluster of impressive hotels, charming villas and bungalows, gourmet restaurants, and world-class golf courses.

The new spa nestles within the resort's campus-like Sports Complex and Fitness Center, where it occupies a building that formerly housed a restaurant. The facility's transformation into the resort's "ultimate pampering headquarters" began with a total remodeling as envisioned and executed by California architect Larry Stricker of Killingworth Stricker Architects, landscape architect David Kimura of Hilo, and David Mulligan of White Sands Construction. Next, principal interior designer Susan J. Moss ASID, IIDA of Trans-Pacific Design in nearby Kamuela and Gina Willman, ASID developed the interior as a complement to the spa's Hawaiian architectural references. Their vision features materials and textures adapted from the cultural legacy of the area's first inhabitants. Moss and Willman may have been inspired to adopt their "fire and ice" theme by views of Moana Kea. This icy cone, soaring 5.6 miles above sea level, is located well mauka (inland). But it can be seen from the site of the Day Spa itself.

To reach the spa, Mauna Lani visitors traverse a stone pathway that meanders through a lava rock garden, framed by palm trees and lush island foliage. "The Mauna Lani Spa journey begins by grasping the cast bronze 'bamboo' pulls on the glass entrance doors," Susan Moss explains. "Guests enjoy stepping into an interior of Hawaiian kapa cloth patterns and browsing in the retail area as they anticipate their array of deluxe spa treatments." The reception desk is crafted of African mahogany, (a wood with similar grain to the native acacia koa) and topped with black slate featuring a whimsical coconut inlay.

The spa store features an eclectic composition of locally handcrafted fixtures and rustic furniture, artfully lit by halogen ceiling lights. Mahogany display shelves angle into the room, leading the eye to alcoves featuring spa books, clothing, gifts, and a signature Mauna Lani herbal infused cosmetic line. These goodies are arrayed in cases decorated with Hawaiian artifacts and accented by traditional kapa cloth banding, printed on traditional mulberry paper.

Located at opposite ends of the retail store are separate entrances to the private spa facilities for women and men. are. A relaxing waiting room features earthy kapa colors and rich textures on custom-designed banquettes. Each Mauna Lani spa guest is issued a signature, Tahitian-style pareo wrap to change into for their treatment. The focal point of the locker room is a double vanity with inlaid coconut shell mosaic surface and side lit mirrors. The drawers contain complimentary amenities. Shuttered mahogany lockers and benches add both security and comfort to the changing areas. Nearby, a steam room and sauna open into a very secluded, lava-walled garden. Finishes such as 'ili 'ili floor pebbles were selected to enhance the garden's magical organic setting. Wall sconces were designed in a textured red-orange glass to enhance the volcano and molten fire motif.

The corridor leading to the treatment rooms features a lush, fern-pattern carpet. Lining the corridor's walls are clever display niches, highlighted by illuminated "canoe prows." Four wet rooms line one side of the corridor, each with a specialty shower system. A deluxe treatment room has been set aside as an intimate couple's oasis, complete with an oversized whirlpool tub. This room also features a steam shower lined with a honed Tasmanian golden stone, accented with golden ray quartzite and a tumbled sand pebble decorative border. Behind the glass door is a hand shower with perimeter jets and adjustable body sprays that offer an invigorating finishing touch after a languid and unhurried massage, en suite. Simple, understated decor and insulated walls ensure a peaceful ambiance in each room. One of the treatment rooms is also accessible to disabled guests, with rough lava rock walls culled from the site.

The team from Trans Pacific Design also created custom armoires for each treatment room, designed to house a lavatory vessel, a microwave for hot towels and plentiful storage for luxurious linens and massage table blankets. A teak seating "throne" with a pull-out foot rest awaits milady in the manicure-pedicure facility, accessorized with a wooden Japanese tansu chest adapted to store lotions and supplies. Most of the spa's art was hand-selected from the Mauna Lani's extensive collection, adding to the interior's overall atmosphere of sumptuous residential luxury.